Buy or not? (Mosin Nagant)

I

imperative

New member
Okay, so Big 5's having a sale again. Russian Mosin Nagant 91/30 for $50.
Now, I'm honestly torn as to whether or not I should buy this. I don't really need it, per se - I've got an SKS, 870, 10/22, and 92F. So, I thought I'd list some of my reasoning, and see what you all think.

Pros - good price, good value for money, seems popular i.e. people are satisfied with theirs, proven record as a service arm, internet support (forums etc.), simple, accurate (apparently), 'get them while you can' reason (this is rather a big one for me)

Cons - don't really *need* it, would need new ammo (7.62x54R), could money be better spent on ammo for existing guns? (main reason)

Hmm, anyway, just wonderin'.
 
That's a tough one. I have gone around and around with myself whenever I see them for $100. For $50 I would grab it. For that little bit of cash, you can strip it and clean it well and buy ammo later, if that is a major factor. They also sell some nice sporter stocks that would make that rifle bad as all hell. I say go for it. One can never have too many. Oh, and also, consider that because of its age, it is a paperless gun, unless you live in one of the kommunist states.
 
I traded for a Nagant last winter. I put it in my gun case until a couple of weeks ago. I took it to the range and was realy surprised how well it shot. I'm thinking about getting one of the black fiber glass stocks for it and mounting a scope on it. $50.00 pick it up you will be glad you did later.
 
Word of advice with Big 5....I have bought multiple guns from them "on sale". I am convinced that they are not so much on sale, just bought at a lower price from Century (or whoever). None of the ones I have bought on sale have had bores in decent shape. If you are looking to shoot this rifle somewhat accurately, then be very picky on the bore condition. Most of the old Nagants and Mausers that I have loked at in Big 5 have been repeatedly cleaned from the muzzle end, thus the rifling is worn down at the muzzle. I have a Polish M44 Nagant that won't hold 8" groups at 50 yards and a Turkish Mauser (29" barrel) that is the same. I like them as conversation pieces though!
 
Mike14,

Black fiberglass stock looks good, but will probably
decrease the accuracy potential of your rifle. For more info
on customized MNs, check out Tuco's web site, the "Workbench".
 
Also check the bolt lugs to see if it is worn...if you have a good bore and a good bolt/chamber it should shoot o.k. Otherwise pass on it and get a nice Finnish Negant.
 
I don't think you can go wrong spending $50 on a piece of world history. After you buy it sit alone on a quiet evening and imagine the Bolshevik revolution, imagine the drama of WWII...hold the rifle in you hands as you think and I guarantee that will be worth the 50 bucks!
 
Imperative, I give you permission to buy it. Just tell you wife I said it was ok.

I heartliy agree with Ronin. These old soldiers, regardless of the side they fought on, deserve the respect that you'd give to any fine antique. I, personally, would never, ever "convert" an old Mauser to a "Sporter". I mean, why go through the effort? There are so many new rifles manufactured today that run rings around an old, military rifle in quality and reliability. These old rifles should, in my very humble opinion, be shot as they were intended: as old veterens of past battles and eras. They truly do reflect the culture that built them.

For $50, I'd but it and then do a ton of reading and research about it, finding out the when, where, who, why, etc., etc. That would add some value right there. Then I'd make it shoot as good as it could: safely of course. Once it was done, I'd display it and shoot it once or twice a year just to keep it happy. I could think of worse ways to spend a few evenings.

Rome

Get you C&R!
 
I bought an M44 last month and I love that gun! Much more accurate than I expected and a BLAST (literally) to shoot. Seen the movie "Enemy at the gate" ? Go see it, then buy the Nagant.
 
I bough an unissued Polish M44 carbine a couple of years ago---It gets fairly good groups and the built in bayonet is fun to tease liberals with. You can get surplus Russian ammo for about $4 for 20 rounds. Just make sure you clean it right because the ammo is corrosive.
 
If you can find one in good condition, buy it. But, as I've said before, the MNs are like potato chips - you are likely to be back for more. (Take it from "Mr. Where am I going to put this new 91/30?")

Just as a brag, my wife is cool - she's actually BOUGHT me a MN! (I don't mention the multiplication of shoes, she doesn't mention the proliferation of Russian ordnance!)
 
Get it!

Buy the gun. You can find ammo for it as cheap as $100 shipped to your door for $880 rounds sealed in tins. 80's manufacture. I bought a really nice M44 a while back and as was mentioned before, it is a beast! I have been meaning to get a long barrel sooner or later and with my Cruffler status should do so soon. I have been concentrating on my new Swede and Yugo Mauser for the time being.
 
Goto http://www.aimsurplus.com and they have the MN 91/30 in good condition for $39.00. I am going to be ordering 2 of them when my C&R licence comes in about 2 weeks or so. I really like the MN's, I have a M44 Carbine Hungarian that is a great shooter. You will not be dissapointed at all with these rifles. I opt to go for the M39 or the M 91/30 because of the barrell lenghts on them, The M93 is going to be the most accurate nagant you can get.
 
You can find the 7.62x54R cal. anywhere in the world. It is still one of the most use rifle caliber for third world countries and rebels. Most gunshop should have this caliber if not you can go online to buy it (www.ammoman.com).
 
Aristophanes - FYI, there have been a whole lot of hex receiver early 91/30s in the last bunch of imports. I've seen (and bought!) a few myself, as have lots of folks from Tuco's Mosin-Nagant.Net. I guess the Russkis are just down to that layer of the collection now. Anyway, if you're looking for hex 91/30s, there seem to be a lot around now.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top